EIRCOM said yesterday that it has not held any talks with the Government over the acquisition of the State-owned Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) — the series of fibre networks which are being built around the country to act as an alternative source of broadband supply.

The Green Party's Eamon Ryan has slammed the Government's record on broadband provision claiming that up to €200m has been wasted on failed fiber optic projects.

IRELAND’S telecoms services lags far behind its main competitors for overseas investment because of a toothless ComReg, foot-dragging by Eircom and cumbersome government rules.

A former teacher armed with a handgun surrendered today after taking nearly two dozen people hostage in a classroom in France, police said.

Waterford City, Kilkenny, Carlow and Gweedore-Bunbeg in Co Donegal are the latest areas to get broadband.

Limerick company e-net has been given the contract to manage the Government’s broadband programme.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was in Limerick today to launch e-net, a company given a 15-year contract by the Government to manage the regional broadband network.

Limerick-based technology company e-net has been awarded the contract to manage the broadband network by the Department of Communications.